Why mental health support should be part of your MS treatment plan

Living with MS affects more than the physical body. Alongside symptoms like fatigue, pain or mobility changes, MS can challenge emotional wellbeing—sometimes unexpectedly. Mental health influences how you cope with symptoms, adjust to change, make treatment decisions, and stay connected with others. Good mental health doesn’t mean feeling happy all the time; instead, it’s about being able to manage challenges, ask for help when needed, and adapt during difficult times.

When mental health is supported, everyday tasks often feel more manageable, and people report feeling more in control of their health. Without support, ongoing stress, anxiety or low mood can make it harder to keep medical appointments, stay active, or maintain routines that support physical wellbeing. Recognising mental health as a key component of MS care is a powerful step toward living well.

Understanding mood changes with MS

Changes in mood are common in MS and can arise for different reasons. The unpredictability of symptoms or relapses may create stress or worry about the future. Diagnosis, employment changes, finances, or social isolation can add emotional pressure. In some cases, changes in the brain caused by MS or side effects of certain medications may also affect mood.

Around half of people living with MS experience anxiety at some point, often during diagnosis, relapses or treatment changes. Depression is also more common in MS than in the general population and may be harder to recognise because its symptoms, like tiredness or difficulty concentrating, overlap with MS. These experiences are not a sign of weakness, and they are not something you can simply ‘push through.’

Being aware of these changes early means you can seek support sooner, reducing the impact on your wellbeing, relationships, and daily life.

When to reach out for professional support

If you notice ongoing worry, low mood, or difficulty coping, talking with your GP, neurologist, MS nurse or mental health professional is an important first step. Support may include counselling, psychology, medication, group programs, or referral to community services.

A Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) can make accessing support more affordable. Developed by your GP, it provides Medicare rebates for up to 10 mental health sessions per year with a psychologist or other recognised mental health provider. Asking for a care plan is common and can open the door to treatment that makes a meaningful difference.

Everyday strategies to support wellbeing

Professional support is valuable, but small daily habits also play a role in maintaining emotional health. People living with MS often find benefit from:

• staying active with gentle, regular exercise
• maintaining good sleep habits
• spending time outdoors in sunlight and fresh air
• eating a balanced diet
• connecting with family, friends, or peer groups
• practising mindfulness or relaxation techniques

These steps don’t remove the challenges of MS, but they build resilience and support physical and emotional balance.

Remember, mental health support is not an add-on, it’s an important part of managing your MS. By caring for both your emotional and physical wellbeing, you improve your quality of life, strengthen your coping strategies and ensure you’re not facing MS alone. Talking about mental health takes courage, but reaching out is a positive step toward feeling supported, informed, and more in control of your MS.

Download the Mental Health and MS factsheetopens in new tab

If you need further assistance please reach out to our team on 1800 042 138opens in new tab. Lifeline also provides 24 hour support, phone 13 11 14opens in new tab